Encouraging workplace inclusivity through accessible web design

Funded by the Department of Social Protection, development of the WIDE Framework was coordinated by AHEAD, an independent non-profit organisation working with and for disabled people, in collaboration with Employers for Change.

The Framework supports organisations to hire, retain and promote more disabled people, as well as creating more inclusive workplaces. Its development was informed by a researcher-led literature review and a consultation process with advisory groups, businesses and government agencies.

At the heart of the resulting platform is a self-review software program designed to provide a roadmap for organisations to improve their policies and practices.

The platform needs to deliver large amounts of technical information and legislative guidance to a broad audience while remaining accessible for all. We worked with Hex Productions, a leader in accessibility digital development, to make this possible.

As a standalone project, the Framework needed its own identity. We created a new logo and graphic language.

The logo consists of six segments, coloured to reflect the six inclusivity domains that the Framework promotes. Together, the segments form a circle, signifying unity. The six colours are used throughout the site to mark each domain, with the brand colours of purple and dark blue used in generic areas.

We created four areas across the site:

• The Framework, including the six domains (each containing guidance, resources and links to relevant legislation), with a total of 53 action-related topics
• A fully searchable resource library and supplier directory
• An interactive evaluation tool
• General information about the Framework

Hex conducted UX testing, using it to ensure the site’s design would aid a user’s visual journey. A colour-coded signposting system, based on the logo colours for each domain, was implemented across the site, creating pathways that flow through the text, visual language and menu items. Custom icons were created for each domain and incorporated into banners and menus to further help the signposting journey. Pages were kept free from “noise”, with clearly defined pullout boxes for quotes and supporting links. Particular attention was paid to font choices, colour values and spacing to ensure legibility. Working with the UX team, we were able to create accessible drop-down menus, interactive buttons and forms without compromising the site’s appearance.

The flexible branding and graphic elements were translated across further WIDE Framework documentation and materials. A custom set of illustrations was produced to depict a range of disabled and non-disabled workers in work environments.

After comprehensive user testing, the website launched at the Disability Inclusive Workplaces – Past, Present and Future event in Dublin. The platform is open-access and freely available to anyone, and the self-review tools are available to any organisation with a base in Ireland.

Visit the WIDE platform at https://wide.employersforchange.ie.